A Convergent Approach to Problem Solving Using Shainin Techniques

With the mounting pressures that companies are currently facing, many organizations are in need of achieving faster ways to implement process improvement. In this Profit through Profit podcast, Genna Weiss of Six Sigma IQ speaks with Ha Dao, Director at SSA & Company (formerly Six Sigma Academy), who presents a case study of how Shainin—a structured innovation methodology that combines engineering insight with statistical thinking—can get you to the root cause of your most difficult process problems in days rather than in weeks or months.

Dao explains how Shainin can converge on the root cause of a problem more quickly by utilizing a Y to X or Effect to Cause approach. You’ll hear how this radical approach can complement other process improvement methodologies, such as Lean and Six Sigma, and how it’s particularly useful in the Analyze phase of Six Sigma DMAIC. In addition, Dao introduces some basic Shainin tools, such as the Problem Definition Tree which converts business problems to high-value projects, and explains why it is important to make sure that upper management supports the implementation of this program. You’ll learn how, through training, your process improvement teams can acquire Shainin skills and how to get started with Shainin deployment within your organization.